THE OSPREY EYE VIEW Panama’s Caribbean coastline is like a box of chocolates for the sea gypsy soul. On the eastern end lie the San Blas Islands that are miraculously untouched by industrial-level tourism. There you find hundreds of postcard-perfect islands inhabited by the Guna Indians, whose exotic clothing and world-renowned molas will dazzle you. In the Read More
Cruising with Members – Charter French Canals
A BURGUNDY SIPPING TOUR SPICED WITH MEDIEVAL DELIGHTS Life slows to a delightfully relaxed pace on a yacht in the French canals. In the heart of the Burgundy Valley, we chartered a 38-foot boat to tour the Route des Grands Crus, the wine-rich region of France. Spending a week navigating through centuries-old canals and manually Read More
Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands
As we flew into St. Thomas Airport in late May to start a week-long yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), I was apprehensive but excited. The BVIs are one of my favorite places, and this would be my fifth yacht charter in the area. I had been following the stories of devastation from Read More
Bonding on the Boat
We were surrounded. On our left, a fishing boat protruded from the dock. From the right, a strong gust of wind shook the American flag on the fly bridge. Tall wooden pilings formed boundaries on either side. Our slip at Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo, NC, was narrow and complicated. Using the bow thruster, my Read More
Abacos: The Best of the Bahamas
Starting Point Old Bahama Bay Located in West End, Grand Bahama Island, Old Bahama Bay Marina is only 56 miles from Palm Beach, FL. The facility is a full-service marina destination with 72-slips and a controlling depth of 8 feet at mean low tide and 24-hour security. Old Bahama Bay offers quick and efficient on-site Read More
Emily and Grace Go Sailing: From Detroit, Michigan to George Town, Bahamas
“DAY 226, approximately. We’re anchored at Crab Cay, just off of the Sea of Abaco. We went swimming under the stars last night, so we’re a little tired today.” That is how Grace and I began today’s video. Every few days we try to record a short clip about our adventures, stating where we are, Read More
Cruising the Great Loop: Chicago, Illinois to Mobile, Alabama
This segment of the Great Loop is a trip through America’s heartland of more than 1,000 miles on the inland rivers. Chicago is the last big city you see until you reach the Gulf of Mexico. Many areas are rather remote, and all but very fast boats will likely have to spend a few nights Read More
Just a Girl, Her Dog and a Boat Cruising Down the East Coast from Manhattan, N.Y. to Vero Beach, Fla.
Why would a single female set off with her dog down the East Coast, all the way from Manhattan N.Y. to Vero Beach Fla.? Simply put: a passion for sailing, a sense of adventure and a disdain for cold New York winters. I started boating by crewing on race boats in New York and the Read More
Chartering Norway’s Fjords
Photos courtesy of Greg Burke (theluxuryvacationguide.com) Norway’s fjords are carved into legend. Steep mountains dive deep into crystal-clear glacial green waters, waterfalls plummet from snowcapped summits even in summer, when days are eternal — often 23 hours of light. The best way to experience Norway’s fjords is by water. You can board a ferry or Read More
Boating on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes, and the only Great Lake located entirely in the United States. Lake Michigan’s name is derived from the Ojibwa tribe word mishigami, which means “large lake.” The French entrepreneur and woodsman Jean Nicolet was the first European to explore Lake Michigan in 1634. Since that Read More